Classical conditioning and operant conditioning are two of the most significant methods used in behavioral psychology to understand how people can learn new behaviors or adapt to new environments. Here are the characteristics of classical and operant conditioning theories:
Classical conditioning:
1. Involuntary response: Classical conditioning deals with an involuntary response to stimuli that an individual cannot control. For instance, reflexive responses like eye blinking, salivation, or sweating in reaction to stimulus.
2. Association learning: It is also called Pavlovian conditioning since it is based on Ivan Pavlov's experiments. Classical conditioning follows the principle of association between two or more stimuli where the individual learns to associate one stimulus with another.
3. Unconditioned Stimulus and Response: In classical conditioning, Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) triggers an unconditional response viz. Unconditioned Response (UCR) naturally.
4. Conditioned Stimulus and Response: Sometimes the UCS is paired with a neutral stimulus so frequently that it gets conditioned to trigger a response which is eventually known as a Conditioned Stimulus (CS).
Operant conditioning:
1. Voluntary response: Operant conditioning enables a person to control their behavior and modify voluntary actions for certain outcomes. It is also called Skinner's conditioning, based on B.F. Skinner's experiments.
2. Reinforcement: The stimuli that increase the probability of individuals responding to the same stimulus again are called reinforcement. The reinforcement could be either positive (adding a desirable stimulus) or negative (removing an undesirable stimulus).
3. Punishment: Operant conditioning also includes the concept of punishment that discourages the probability of the individual repeating the action. The punishment could be either Positive (applying an aversive stimulus) or Negative (removing a desirable stimulus).
4. Shaping: Shaping is the reinforcing of successive approximations to the desired response.
In summary, classical conditioning focuses on involuntary, automatic, and reflexive responses, and operant conditioning deals with voluntary, learned behavior modification by reinforcement or punishment. Both theories provide significant insight into how individuals learn and adapt to their environment.
Discuss the characteristics of classical instrumental and operant conditioning theories.
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